Jon Lambert

Monday Alumni Profile: Danielle Celestin

9/7/2020 9:39:00 AM

By: Norman Yacko

Every Monday, TCNJ Athletics will check in with an alum from one of its programs. Today, it's 2018 graduate Danielle Celestin, a women's track and field alum. Danielle, a native of Clifton, N.J., majored in communications and minored in marketing.

In a paragraph or two, talk about what you've done since you've left TCNJ:

After graduating in 2018, I took a little time off before starting my first full-time job working in New York City for a national media company. Despite the learning curve of starting in the workforce, I brought a lot of the values I gained as a student-athlete into my new corporate lifestyle. After about a year in sales, I was promoted into my current role in Marketing. Outside of work, I've gotten to do some traveling and have picked up on more hobbies! I also work part-time with the New York Red Bulls in Event Marketing, and I enjoy the contrast of that and my full-time job.

What has been your favorite professional experience?

My favorite professional experience has been being exposed to so many people who are amazing at what they do, and getting to learn something new from each one of them!

Do you stay in contact with any of your old teammates or coaches?

I do stay in contact with some teammates, and I love getting to see them and my coaches at their meets during the year and other TCNJ events. In the first year after graduation I was able to visit more often and would have so much fun dropping in at practices.

What is one thing you miss most about playing sports at TCNJ?

Aside from all of the fun I had with my teammates every day, the one thing I miss most is the drive and structure sports instilled. Track is essentially an all-year sport, and because it was so ingrained in my day-to-day, I know now how much it influenced me and pushed me to be a better athlete and student. You really realize the impact the program had on you after you're removed from it.

What about what you miss most about being a student at TCNJ, either academically or socially?

I definitely miss the social aspect of being a student. I always felt that TCNJ was a great size and you would always run into someone you knew around campus, whether it was in the dining hall or in the academic buildings. Having the freedom to meet up with a friend to hang out or do homework whenever you wanted was a big perk.

What is your favorite memory as a TCNJ athlete either in competition, in practice, traveling or socially?

My favorite memory in competition was winning the 2018 Indoor NJAC Championships. I ran my fastest time in the 60-meters and will never forget that race. Everyone worked so hard to bring home that title. Our team trip to San Diego that same year is another time I'll always remember. Practicing right next to the ocean with perfect weather was a dream!

Is there anything your coaches said during your playing career that still sticks with you now?

Something that sticks with me now wasn't necessarily said with words. It was shown in how my coaches pushed me every day. They believed in capabilities that I didn't know I had, and their dedication to helping me be better told me to never give up.

What would you say to a student-athlete who is considering attending TCNJ?

I'd say go for it. I think the benefits of being a student-athlete at TCNJ are absolutely worth it. Academically, it's a great school while also having some high-caliber sports programs. TCNJ was my school of choice for academics, then I walked on to the team my freshman year and it was the best decision I could've made.

Do you have any advice for current TCNJ student-athletes?

There are immeasurable opportunities for you as a student-athlete during and beyond school. Capitalize on all of them! Put in your best during the short time you have there and make the most of every second.

Final Thoughts:

Thank you to everyone who made my four years at TCNJ unforgettable. To the friends and teammates that became family, the coaches, professors, and everyone who invested in me, I am beyond grateful!

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